Presentation Abstract

The construction of seawalls and similar structures along Puget Sound’s shoreline impacts geomorphic processes and ecological functions. The extent of shoreline armor has been adopted by the Puget Sound Partnership as a vital sign indicator, is used by local, state, and federal groups as a measure of ecosystem function, and has been employed as a tool for prioritizing restoration actions.

As a result, we recognized the importance of accurately characterizing the extent, character, and distribution of shoreline armor. The objectives of our project were to review existing data sources, assess methodologies, identify gaps in data quality or coverage, and to recommend steps for developing a reliable baseline for future monitoring and analyses.

Previous efforts have suggested that approximately 27% of the region’s 4000 km of shoreline is armored, but our ability to answer important questions has been hampered by the quality and consistency of datasets, poorly documented methodologies, and the ability to relate armor with other shoreline information. In particular, we had difficulty associating armor with its geomorphic setting – bluffs and spits, small estuaries, river deltas, and artificial human landscapes – which greatly influences ecological impacts, management decisions, and restoration strategies.

We noted the need for clear definitions and protocols for mapping and characterizing shoreline structures. Some attributes, such as condition and waterward extent, are ecologically important but difficult to measure. Environmentally friendlier soft or hybrid structures are particularly hard to identify and categorize.

Our preliminary results provide a clearer picture of where armoring occurs and where there remain significant problems with data reliability and geographic consistency. We have begun a collaborative process to develop a high quality regional dataset of shoreline armor that will provide better understanding of the impacts of existing armor, a reliable baseline for assessing future change, and a tool to support prioritization for protection and restoration.

Session Title

Integrating Science with Landowner Outreach to Increase Coastal Resiliency

Conference Track

Shorelines

Conference Name

Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)

Document Type

Event

Start Date

2016 12:00 AM

End Date

2016 12:00 AM

Location

2016SSEC

Type of Presentation

Oral

Genre/Form

conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)

Contributing Repository

Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Subjects – Topical (LCSH)

Shore protection--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Shorelines--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Coastal zone management--Washington (State)--Puget Sound

Geographic Coverage

Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Puget Sound (Wash.)

Rights

This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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Jan 1st, 12:00 AM Jan 1st, 12:00 AM

Armoring on Puget Sound: Progress towards a better baseline

2016SSEC

The construction of seawalls and similar structures along Puget Sound’s shoreline impacts geomorphic processes and ecological functions. The extent of shoreline armor has been adopted by the Puget Sound Partnership as a vital sign indicator, is used by local, state, and federal groups as a measure of ecosystem function, and has been employed as a tool for prioritizing restoration actions.

As a result, we recognized the importance of accurately characterizing the extent, character, and distribution of shoreline armor. The objectives of our project were to review existing data sources, assess methodologies, identify gaps in data quality or coverage, and to recommend steps for developing a reliable baseline for future monitoring and analyses.

Previous efforts have suggested that approximately 27% of the region’s 4000 km of shoreline is armored, but our ability to answer important questions has been hampered by the quality and consistency of datasets, poorly documented methodologies, and the ability to relate armor with other shoreline information. In particular, we had difficulty associating armor with its geomorphic setting – bluffs and spits, small estuaries, river deltas, and artificial human landscapes – which greatly influences ecological impacts, management decisions, and restoration strategies.

We noted the need for clear definitions and protocols for mapping and characterizing shoreline structures. Some attributes, such as condition and waterward extent, are ecologically important but difficult to measure. Environmentally friendlier soft or hybrid structures are particularly hard to identify and categorize.

Our preliminary results provide a clearer picture of where armoring occurs and where there remain significant problems with data reliability and geographic consistency. We have begun a collaborative process to develop a high quality regional dataset of shoreline armor that will provide better understanding of the impacts of existing armor, a reliable baseline for assessing future change, and a tool to support prioritization for protection and restoration.